Read my long essay on Afghanistan in this month’s issue of Pakistan Politico, which argues that Trump’s new strategy for the war has largely failed to achieve results.
Pakistan
Conference in Lahore
Earlier this month I had the pleasure of attending the International Conference on Threats to Security in the 21st Century in Lahore, Pakistan. On the second day of the conference I presented a paper on Pakistan’s foreign relations (which, I hope, will be published in some form). The event was a great success, drawing in participants from all over the world, and I’m grateful to the University of Lahore for inviting me.
New Writing on Iran & Afghanistan
In a rare double-whammy, I have two new articles out today, the first examining the durability of the Russia-Iran alliance (at Prospect Magazine), the second looking at the surprising drop in civilian casualties in Afghanistan last year (at National Review).
Trump’s Risky Pakistan Strategy
Last week the Trump administration announced it would be suspending all US security assistance to Pakistan. Here is my new piece at Prospect Magazine arguing why that is a risky move.
Why Pressuring Pakistan Will Not Be Easy
Read my latest, which argues that Pakistan has gravitated away from the US and its allies, cultivating stronger ties with China and other countries outside the western bloc. This deprives the US of leverage and might undermine President Trump’s desire to pressurize Pakistan into changing its policies. (Thanks to the Center for Research & Security Studies in Islamabad, which also ran the piece on their website here).
Trump’s “New Strategy” for Afghanistan
Read my long essay responding to President Trump’s not-so-new strategy for the war in Afghanistan.
On Afghanistan, Trump is Right to Hesitate
Read my latest at National Review Online arguing that Trump is right to resist the flawed Afghan strategy that has reportedly been presented to him.
Iran Could Make or Break the US War in Afghanistan
Read my new piece at Middle East Eye which looks at Iran’s considerable influence in Afghanistan and what it means for the US-led war there.
Mattis’ Proposals for Afghanistan
I have a new piece up at GVS, an exciting online news hub in Pakistan, responding to the US Defense Secretary James Mattis’ recent comments on Afghanistan.
Op-ed on Military Escalation in Afghanistan
Read my latest piece at Prospect Magazine arguing against the Trump administration’s reported plans for military escalation in Afghanistan.
Rupert Stone 